Matt Joyce | Outfielder

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Matt Joyce went 2-for-2 with a walk and a solo home run Wednesday against the Indians.

Joyce lifted a Josh Tomlin offering to right field in the third inning, extending the Angels' lead to 2-0 at the time. The 30-year-old will likely serve as the Angels' starting left fielder while Josh Hamilton deals with both a balky shoulder and a potential disciplinary issue. Mar 25 - 7:10 PM

Matt Joyce (hamstring) will start in left field Wednesday.

Joyce recently missed a week with hamstring tightness, but he returned to the lineup as the DH on Monday and is now ready to play the field. With Josh Hamilton's status up in the air, Joyce is projected to open the season as the starting left field and should carry decent fantasy value. Mar 25 - 12:18 PM

Joyce returned to Cactus League action Monday as the DH and went 1-for-4 with a run scored. The 30-year-old is getting the day off Tuesday, but he's making solid progress. With Josh Hamilton sidelined, Joyce should open the season as the Angels' primary left fielder. Mar 24 - 12:59 PM

Matt Joyce (hamstring) is in the Angels' starting lineup for Monday's Cactus League game.

Joyce missed a full week of Cactus League action due to hamstring tightness, but he had been taking at-bats in minor league games over the past couple of days and should be fully caught up by Opening Day. Joyce is expected to serve as the Angels' primary left fielder while Josh Hamilton is on the shelf. He could carry decent fantasy value in the middle of the Angels' dangerous batting order. Mar 23 - 2:09 PM

CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports that Major League Baseball is expected to make a decision regarding Josh Hamilton's situation prior to Opening Day.

Heyman notes that "a suspension of some length" is expected following Hamilton's relapse, but "it isn't known what the resolution will be." The feeling is that it could potentially range from 25 games to a full season, although the MLBPA is arguing for only a 15-game ban. Hamilton is already slated to miss the beginning of the season while recovering from surgery in early February to repair the AC joint in his right shoulder.

Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports that it "seems doubtful" Garrett Richards (knee) will be ready on April 14 when the Angels first need a fifth starter.

Richards was thrilled with how he felt during an appearance in a minor league game Saturday, but the Angels are understandably proceeding very cautiously with the young right-hander. DiGiovanna expects Richards to be ready "soon after" April 14. The Halos will go with four starters early on, with Andrew Heaney or Nick Tropeano looking likely to get the ball on April 14.

Cory Rasmus will undergo surgery to repair a core muscle and is expected to be sidelined 6-8 weeks.

Rasmus, who was one of the most consistent relievers for the Angels in 2014, was expected to work in a middle relief role. His injury opens up a bullpen spot that the Angels must now scramble to fill from the remaining options in camp. Matt Lindstrom would seem to be one obvious beneficiary.